1
|
Seabaugh JA, Anderson DM. Pathogenicity and virulence of Yersinia. Virulence 2024; 15:2316439. [PMID: 38389313 PMCID: PMC10896167 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2024.2316439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The genus Yersinia includes human, animal, insect, and plant pathogens as well as many symbionts and harmless bacteria. Within this genus are Yersinia enterocolitica and the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis complex, with four human pathogenic species that are highly related at the genomic level including the causative agent of plague, Yersinia pestis. Extensive laboratory, field work, and clinical research have been conducted to understand the underlying pathogenesis and zoonotic transmission of these pathogens. There are presently more than 500 whole genome sequences from which an evolutionary footprint can be developed that details shared and unique virulence properties. Whereas the virulence of Y. pestis now seems in apparent homoeostasis within its flea transmission cycle, substantial evolutionary changes that affect transmission and disease severity continue to ndergo apparent selective pressure within the other Yersiniae that cause intestinal diseases. In this review, we will summarize the present understanding of the virulence and pathogenesis of Yersinia, highlighting shared mechanisms of virulence and the differences that determine the infection niche and disease severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jarett A. Seabaugh
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA
| | - Deborah M. Anderson
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Davies ML, Biryukov SS, Rill NO, Klimko CP, Hunter M, Dankmeyer JL, Miller JA, Shoe JL, Mlynek KD, Talyansky Y, Toothman RG, Qiu J, Bozue JA, Cote CK. Sex differences in immune protection in mice conferred by heterologous vaccines for pneumonic plague. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1397579. [PMID: 38835755 PMCID: PMC11148226 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1397579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Yersinia pestis is the etiological agent of plague, which can manifest as bubonic, septicemic, and/or pneumonic disease. Plague is a severe and rapidly progressing illness that can only be successfully treated with antibiotics initiated early after infection. There are no FDA-approved vaccines for plague, and some vaccine candidates may be less effective against pneumonic plague than bubonic plague. Y. pestis is not known to impact males and females differently in mechanisms of pathogenesis or severity of infection. However, one previous study reported sex-biased vaccine effectiveness after intranasal Y. pestis challenge. As part of developing a safe and effective vaccine, it is essential that potential sex differences are characterized. Methods In this study we evaluated novel vaccines in male and female BALB/c mice using a heterologous prime-boost approach and monitored survival, bacterial load in organs, and immunological correlates. Our vaccine strategy consisted of two subcutaneous immunizations, followed by challenge with aerosolized virulent nonencapsulated Y. pestis. Mice were immunized with a combination of live Y. pestis pgm- pPst-Δcaf1, live Y. pestis pgm- pPst-Δcaf1/ΔyopD, or recombinant F1-V (rF1-V) combined with adjuvants. Results The most effective vaccine regimen was initial priming with rF1-V, followed by boost with either of the live attenuated strains. However, this and other strategies were more protective in female mice. Males had higher bacterial burden and differing patterns of cytokine expression and serum antibody titers. Male mice did not demonstrate synergy between vaccination and antibiotic treatment as repeatedly observed in female mice. Conclusions This study provides new knowledge about heterologous vaccine strategies, sex differences in plague-vaccine efficacy, and the immunological factors that differ between male and female mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael L Davies
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Sergei S Biryukov
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Nathaniel O Rill
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Christopher P Klimko
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Melissa Hunter
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Jennifer L Dankmeyer
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Jeremy A Miller
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Jennifer L Shoe
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Kevin D Mlynek
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Yuli Talyansky
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Ronald G Toothman
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Ju Qiu
- Regulated Research Administration: Biostatistics Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Joel A Bozue
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Christopher K Cote
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guo X, Xin Y, Tong Z, Cao S, Zhang Y, Wu G, Chen H, Wang T, Song Y, Zhang Q, Yang R, Du Z. A novel sORF gene mutant strain of Yersinia pestis vaccine EV76 offers enhanced safety and improved protection against plague. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012129. [PMID: 38547321 PMCID: PMC11020802 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
We recently identified two virulence-associated small open reading frames (sORF) of Yersinia pestis, named yp1 and yp2, and null mutants of each individual genes were highly attenuated in virulence. Plague vaccine strain EV76 is known for strong reactogenicity, making it not suitable for use in humans. To improve the immune safety of EV76, three mutant strains of EV76, Δyp1, Δyp2, and Δyp1&yp2 were constructed and their virulence attenuation, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy in mice were evaluated. All mutant strains were attenuated by the subcutaneous (s.c.) route and exhibited more rapid clearance in tissues than the parental strain EV76. Under iron overload conditions, only the mice infected with EV76Δyp1 survived, accompanied by less draining lymph nodes damage than those infected by EV76. Analysis of cytokines secreted by splenocytes of immunized mice found that EV76Δyp2 induced higher secretion of multiple cytokines including TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-12p70 than EV76. On day 42, EV76Δyp2 or EV76Δyp1&yp2 immunized mice exhibited similar protective efficacy as EV76 when exposed to Y. pestis 201, both via s.c. or intranasal (i.n.) routes of administration. Moreover, when exposed to 200-400 LD50 Y. pestis strain 201Δcaf1 (non-encapsulated Y. pestis), EV76Δyp2 or EV76Δyp1&yp2 are able to afford about 50% protection to i.n. challenges, significantly better than the protection afforded by EV76. On 120 day, mice immunized with EV76Δyp2 or EV76Δyp1&yp2 cleared the i.n. challenge of Y. pestis 201-lux as quickly as those immunized with EV76, demonstrating 90-100% protection. Our results demonstrated that deletion of the yp2 gene is an effective strategy to attenuate virulence of Y. pestis EV76 while improving immunogenicity. Furthermore, EV76Δyp2 is a promising candidate for conferring protection against the pneumonic and bubonic forms of plague.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Youquan Xin
- Key Laboratory for Plague Prevention and Control of Qinghai Province, Qinghai Institute for Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Xining, China
| | - Zehui Tong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University Hefei, China
| | - Shiyang Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Gengshan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yajun Song
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Qingwen Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Plague Prevention and Control of Qinghai Province, Qinghai Institute for Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Xining, China
| | - Ruifu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Zongmin Du
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory for Plague Prevention and Control of Qinghai Province, Qinghai Institute for Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Xining, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Biryukov SS, Wu H, Dankmeyer JL, Rill NO, Klimko CP, Egland KA, Shoe JL, Hunter M, Fetterer DP, Qiu J, Davies ML, Bausch CL, Sullivan EJ, Luke T, Cote CK. Polyclonal Antibodies Derived from Transchromosomic Bovines Vaccinated with the Recombinant F1-V Vaccine Increase Bacterial Opsonization In Vitro and Protect Mice from Pneumonic Plague. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:antib12020033. [PMID: 37218899 DOI: 10.3390/antib12020033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Plague is an ancient disease that continues to be of concern to both the public health and biodefense research communities. Pneumonic plague is caused by hematogenous spread of Yersinia pestis bacteria from a ruptured bubo to the lungs or by directly inhaling aerosolized bacteria. The fatality rate associated with pneumonic plague is significant unless effective antibiotic therapy is initiated soon after an early and accurate diagnosis is made. As with all bacterial pathogens, drug resistance is a primary concern when developing strategies to combat these Yersinia pestis infections in the future. While there has been significant progress in vaccine development, no FDA-approved vaccine strategy exists; thus, other medical countermeasures are needed. Antibody treatment has been shown to be effective in animal models of plague. We produced fully human polyclonal antibodies in transchromosomic bovines vaccinated with the recombinant F1-V plague vaccine. The resulting human antibodies opsonized Y. pestis bacteria in the presence of RAW264.7 cells and afforded significant protection to BALB/c mice after exposure to aerosolized Y. pestis. These data demonstrate the utility of this technology to produce large quantities of non-immunogenic anti-plague human antibodies to prevent or possibly treat pneumonic plague in human.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergei S Biryukov
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Hua Wu
- SAB Biotherapeutics, 2100 E 54th St. N, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Jennifer L Dankmeyer
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Nathaniel O Rill
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Christopher P Klimko
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Kristi A Egland
- SAB Biotherapeutics, 2100 E 54th St. N, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Jennifer L Shoe
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Melissa Hunter
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - David P Fetterer
- Biostatistics Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Ju Qiu
- Biostatistics Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Michael L Davies
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | | | - Eddie J Sullivan
- SAB Biotherapeutics, 2100 E 54th St. N, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Thomas Luke
- SAB Biotherapeutics, 2100 E 54th St. N, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA
| | - Christopher K Cote
- Bacteriology Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang R, Atkinson S, Chen Z, Cui Y, Du Z, Han Y, Sebbane F, Slavin P, Song Y, Yan Y, Wu Y, Xu L, Zhang C, Zhang Y, Hinnebusch BJ, Stenseth NC, Motin VL. Yersinia pestis and Plague: some knowns and unknowns. ZOONOSES (BURLINGTON, MASS.) 2023; 3:5. [PMID: 37602146 PMCID: PMC10438918 DOI: 10.15212/zoonoses-2022-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Since its first identification in 1894 during the third pandemic in Hong Kong, there has been significant progress of understanding the lifestyle of Yersinia pestis, the pathogen that is responsible for plague. Although we now have some understanding of the pathogen's physiology, genetics, genomics, evolution, gene regulation, pathogenesis and immunity, there are many unknown aspects of the pathogen and its disease development. Here, we focus on some of the knowns and unknowns relating to Y. pestis and plague. We notably focus on some key Y. pestis physiological and virulence traits that are important for its mammal-flea-mammal life cycle but also its emergence from the enteropathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Some aspects of the genetic diversity of Y. pestis, the distribution and ecology of plague as well as the medical countermeasures to protect our population are also provided. Lastly, we present some biosafety and biosecurity information related to Y. pestis and plague.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruifu Yang
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Steve Atkinson
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Biomolecular Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ziqi Chen
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yujun Cui
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zongmin Du
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yanping Han
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Florent Sebbane
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Philip Slavin
- Division of History and Politics, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LJ, UK
| | - Yajun Song
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yanfeng Yan
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yarong Wu
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chutian Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - B. Joseph Hinnebusch
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Nils Chr. Stenseth
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Vladimir L. Motin
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
<i>In silico</i> Research at the Stages of Designing Modern Means for Prevention of Plague (by the Example of Subunit Vaccines). PROBLEMS OF PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS INFECTIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.21055/0370-1069-2022-3-6-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this review was to analyze the findings of domestic and foreign researchers on the development of modern drugs for the specific prevention of plague and to illustrate the possibilities of using bioinformatics analysis at the design stages to create an effective and safe vaccine. Work on the creation of an effective new-generation plague vaccine is hampered by several factors associated primarily with the presence of mechanisms of evasion from the immune system of the macroorganism, as well as a large number of pathogenicity determinants in the plague agent. Due to the development of approaches that are based on in silico studies, there is a progressive development of vaccine technologies oriented primarily to the use of the most important immunogens of the plague microbe (F1 and V antigen). Studies aimed at improving the antigenic properties of F1 and LcrV, as well as work on bioinformatic search and analysis of additional promising components to be included in the composition of subunit vaccines are considered as topical applications of bioinformatics data analysis in developing the tools for enhancing the effectiveness of protection through vaccination with subunit preparations.
Collapse
|
7
|
Peptidoglycan-Free Bacterial Ghosts Confer Enhanced Protection against Yersinia pestis Infection. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 10:vaccines10010051. [PMID: 35062712 PMCID: PMC8777944 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To develop a modern plague vaccine, we used hypo-endotoxic Yersinia pestis bacterial ghosts (BGs) with combinations of genes encoding the bacteriophage ɸX174 lysis-mediating protein E and/or holin-endolysin systems from λ or L-413C phages. Expression of the protein E gene resulted in the BGs that retained the shape of the original bacterium. Co-expression of this gene with genes coding for holin-endolysin system of the phage L-413C caused formation of structures resembling collapsed sacs. Such structures, which have lost their rigidity, were also formed as a result of the expression of only the L-413C holin-endolysin genes. A similar holin-endolysin system from phage λ containing mutated holin gene S and intact genes R-Rz coding for the endolysins caused generation of mixtures of BGs that had (i) practically preserved and (ii) completely lost their original rigidity. The addition of protein E to the work of this system shifted the equilibrium in the mixture towards the collapsed sacs. The collapse of the structure of BGs can be explained by endolysis of peptidoglycan sacculi. Immunizations of laboratory animals with the variants of BGs followed by infection with a wild-type Y. pestis strain showed that bacterial envelopes protected only cavies. BGs with maximally hydrolyzed peptidoglycan had a greater protectivity compared to BGs with a preserved peptidoglycan skeleton.
Collapse
|
8
|
Combinatorial Viral Vector-Based and Live Attenuated Vaccines without an Adjuvant to Generate Broader Immune Responses to Effectively Combat Pneumonic Plague. mBio 2021; 12:e0322321. [PMID: 34872353 PMCID: PMC8649767 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03223-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice immunized with a combination of an adenovirus vector (Ad5-YFV) and live-attenuated (LMA)-based vaccines were evaluated for protective efficacy against pneumonic plague. While the Ad5-YFV vaccine harbors a fusion cassette of three genes encoding YscF, F1, and LcrV, LMA represents a mutant of parental Yersinia pestis CO92 deleted for genes encoding Lpp, MsbB, and Ail. Ad5-YFV and LMA were either administered simultaneously (1-dose regimen) or 21 days apart in various orders and route of administration combinations (2-dose regimen). The 2-dose regimen induced robust immune responses to provide full protection to animals against parental CO92 and its isogenic F1 deletion mutant (CAF−) challenges during both short- and long-term studies. Mice intranasally (i.n.) immunized with Ad5-YFV first followed by LMA (i.n. or intramuscularly [i.m.]) had higher T- and B-cell proliferative responses and LcrV antibody titers than those in mice vaccinated with LMA (i.n. or i.m.) first ahead of Ad5-YFV (i.n.) during the long-term study. Specifically, the needle- and adjuvant-free vaccine combination (i.n.) is ideal for use in plague regions of endemicity. Conversely, with a 1-dose regimen, mice vaccinated with Ad5-YFV i.n. and LMA by the i.m. route provided complete protection to animals against CO92 and its CAF− mutant challenges and elicited Th1/Th2, as well as Th17 responses, making it suitable for emergency vaccination during a plague outbreak or bioterrorist attack. This is a first study in which a viral vector-based and live-attenuated vaccines were effectively used in combination, representing adjuvant- and/or needle-free immunization, with each vaccine triggering a distinct cellular immune response.
Collapse
|
9
|
Rahmatelahi H, El-Matbouli M, Menanteau-Ledouble S. Delivering the pain: an overview of the type III secretion system with special consideration for aquatic pathogens. Vet Res 2021; 52:146. [PMID: 34924019 PMCID: PMC8684695 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-021-01015-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria are known to subvert eukaryotic cell physiological mechanisms using a wide array of virulence factors, among which the type three-secretion system (T3SS) is often one of the most important. The T3SS constitutes a needle-like apparatus that the bacterium uses to inject a diverse set of effector proteins directly into the cytoplasm of the host cells where they can hamper the host cellular machinery for a variety of purposes. While the structure of the T3SS is somewhat conserved and well described, effector proteins are much more diverse and specific for each pathogen. The T3SS can remodel the cytoskeleton integrity to promote intracellular invasion, as well as silence specific eukaryotic cell signals, notably to hinder or elude the immune response and cause apoptosis. This is also the case in aquatic bacterial pathogens where the T3SS can often play a central role in the establishment of disease, although it remains understudied in several species of important fish pathogens, notably in Yersinia ruckeri. In the present review, we summarise what is known of the T3SS, with a special focus on aquatic pathogens and suggest some possible avenues for research including the potential to target the T3SS for the development of new anti-virulence drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hadis Rahmatelahi
- Clinical Division of Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mansour El-Matbouli
- Clinical Division of Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Menanteau-Ledouble
- Clinical Division of Fish Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220, Aalborg Ø, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rosario-Acevedo R, Biryukov SS, Bozue JA, Cote CK. Plague Prevention and Therapy: Perspectives on Current and Future Strategies. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101421. [PMID: 34680537 PMCID: PMC8533540 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Plague, caused by the bacterial pathogen Yersinia pestis, is a vector-borne disease that has caused millions of human deaths over several centuries. Presently, human plague infections continue throughout the world. Transmission from one host to another relies mainly on infected flea bites, which can cause enlarged lymph nodes called buboes, followed by septicemic dissemination of the pathogen. Additionally, droplet inhalation after close contact with infected mammals can result in primary pneumonic plague. Here, we review research advances in the areas of vaccines and therapeutics for plague in context of Y. pestis virulence factors and disease pathogenesis. Plague continues to be both a public health threat and a biodefense concern and we highlight research that is important for infection mitigation and disease treatment.
Collapse
|
11
|
Swietnicki W. Secretory System Components as Potential Prophylactic Targets for Bacterial Pathogens. Biomolecules 2021; 11:892. [PMID: 34203937 PMCID: PMC8232601 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial secretory systems are essential for virulence in human pathogens. The systems have become a target of alternative antibacterial strategies based on small molecules and antibodies. Strategies to use components of the systems to design prophylactics have been less publicized despite vaccines being the preferred solution to dealing with bacterial infections. In the current review, strategies to design vaccines against selected pathogens are presented and connected to the biology of the system. The examples are given for Y. pestis, S. enterica, B. anthracis, S. flexneri, and other human pathogens, and discussed in terms of effectiveness and long-term protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wieslaw Swietnicki
- Department of Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. R. Weigla 12, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sebbane F, Lemaître N. Antibiotic Therapy of Plague: A Review. Biomolecules 2021; 11:724. [PMID: 34065940 PMCID: PMC8151713 DOI: 10.3390/biom11050724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Plague-a deadly disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis-is still an international public health concern. There are three main clinical forms: bubonic plague, septicemic plague, and pulmonary plague. In all three forms, the symptoms appear suddenly and progress very rapidly. Early antibiotic therapy is essential for countering the disease. Several classes of antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, rifamycin, and β-lactams) are active in vitro against the majority of Y. pestis strains and have demonstrated efficacy in various animal models. However, some discrepancies have been reported. Hence, health authorities have approved and recommended several drugs for prophylactic or curative use. Only monotherapy is currently recommended; combination therapy has not shown any benefits in preclinical studies or case reports. Concerns about the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains of Y. pestis have led to the development of new classes of antibiotics and other therapeutics (e.g., LpxC inhibitors, cationic peptides, antivirulence drugs, predatory bacteria, phages, immunotherapy, host-directed therapy, and nutritional immunity). It is difficult to know which of the currently available treatments or therapeutics in development will be most effective for a given form of plague. This is due to the lack of standardization in preclinical studies, conflicting data from case reports, and the small number of clinical trials performed to date.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florent Sebbane
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Pasteur Lille, U1019—UMR 9017—CIIL—Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Nadine Lemaître
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Pasteur Lille, U1019—UMR 9017—CIIL—Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Hygiène, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Amiens Picardie, UR 4294, Agents Infectieux, Résistance et Chimiothérapie (AGIR), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, F-80000 Amiens, France
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cote CK, Biryukov SS, Klimko CP, Shoe JL, Hunter M, Rosario-Acevedo R, Fetterer DP, Moody KL, Meyer JR, Rill NO, Dankmeyer JL, Worsham PL, Bozue JA, Welkos SL. Protection Elicited by Attenuated Live Yersinia pestis Vaccine Strains against Lethal Infection with Virulent Y. pestis. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9020161. [PMID: 33669472 PMCID: PMC7920443 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The etiologic agent of plague, Yersinia pestis, is a globally distributed pathogen which poses both a natural and adversarial threat. Due largely to the rapid course and high mortality of pneumonic plague, vaccines are greatly needed. Two-component protein vaccines have been unreliable and potentially vulnerable to vaccine resistance. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of eight live Y. pestis strains derived from virulent strains CO92 or KIM6+ and mutated in one or more virulence-associated gene(s) or cured of plasmid pPst. Stringent, single-dose vaccination allowed down-selection of the two safest and most protective vaccine candidates, CO92 mutants pgm- pPst- and ΔyscN. Both completely protected BALB/c mice against subcutaneous and aerosol challenge with Y. pestis. Strain CD-1 outbred mice were more resistant to bubonic (but not pneumonic) plague than BALB/c mice, but the vaccines elicited partial protection of CD-1 mice against aerosol challenge, while providing full protection against subcutaneous challenge. A ΔyscN mutant of the nonencapsulated C12 strain was expected to display antigens previously concealed by the capsule. C12 ΔyscN elicited negligible titers to F1 but comparable antibody levels to whole killed bacteria, as did CO92 ΔyscN. Although one dose of C12 ΔyscN was not protective, vaccination with two doses of either CO92 ΔyscN, or a combination of the ΔyscN mutants of C12 and CO92, protected optimally against lethal bubonic or pneumonic plague. Protection against encapsulated Y. pestis required inclusion of F1 in the vaccine and was associated with high anti-F1 titers.
Collapse
|
14
|
Plasmid Replicons for the Production of Pharmaceutical-Grade pDNA, Proteins and Antigens by Lactococcus lactis Cell Factories. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031379. [PMID: 33573129 PMCID: PMC7866527 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Lactococcus lactis bacterium found in different natural environments is traditionally associated with the fermented food industry. But recently, its applications have been spreading to the pharmaceutical industry, which has exploited its probiotic characteristics and is moving towards its use as cell factories for the production of added-value recombinant proteins and plasmid DNA (pDNA) for DNA vaccination, as a safer and industrially profitable alternative to the traditional Escherichia coli host. Additionally, due to its food-grade and generally recognized safe status, there have been an increasing number of studies about its use in live mucosal vaccination. In this review, we critically systematize the plasmid replicons available for the production of pharmaceutical-grade pDNA and recombinant proteins by L. lactis. A plasmid vector is an easily customized component when the goal is to engineer bacteria in order to produce a heterologous compound in industrially significant amounts, as an alternative to genomic DNA modifications. The additional burden to the cell depends on plasmid copy number and on the expression level, targeting location and type of protein expressed. For live mucosal vaccination applications, besides the presence of the necessary regulatory sequences, it is imperative that cells produce the antigen of interest in sufficient yields. The cell wall anchored antigens had shown more promising results in live mucosal vaccination studies, when compared with intracellular or secreted antigens. On the other side, engineering L. lactis to express membrane proteins, especially if they have a eukaryotic background, increases the overall cellular burden. The different alternative replicons for live mucosal vaccination, using L. lactis as the DNA vaccine carrier or the antigen producer, are critically reviewed, as a starting platform to choose or engineer the best vector for each application.
Collapse
|
15
|
Kilgore PB, Sha J, Andersson JA, Motin VL, Chopra AK. A new generation needle- and adjuvant-free trivalent plague vaccine utilizing adenovirus-5 nanoparticle platform. NPJ Vaccines 2021; 6:21. [PMID: 33514747 PMCID: PMC7846801 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-020-00275-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A plague vaccine with a fusion cassette of YscF, F1, and LcrV encoding genes in an adenovirus-5 vector (rAd5-YFV) is evaluated for efficacy and immune responses in mice. Two doses of the vaccine provides 100% protection when administered intranasally against challenge with Yersinia pestis CO92 or its isogenic F1 mutant in short- or long- term immunization in pneumonic/bubonic plague models. The corresponding protection rates drop in rAd5-LcrV monovalent vaccinated mice in plague models. The rAd5-YFV vaccine induces superior humoral, mucosal and cell-mediated immunity, with clearance of the pathogen. Immunization of mice with rAd5-YFV followed by CO92 infection dampens proinflammatory cytokines and neutrophil chemoattractant production, while increasing Th1- and Th2-cytokine responses as well as macrophage/monocyte chemo-attractants when compared to the challenge control animals. This is a first study showing complete protection of mice from pneumonic/bubonic plague with a viral vector-based vaccine without the use of needles and the adjuvant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul B. Kilgore
- grid.176731.50000 0001 1547 9964Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA
| | - Jian Sha
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA. .,Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| | - Jourdan A. Andersson
- grid.176731.50000 0001 1547 9964Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA
| | - Vladimir L. Motin
- grid.176731.50000 0001 1547 9964Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA ,grid.176731.50000 0001 1547 9964Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA ,grid.176731.50000 0001 1547 9964Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA ,grid.176731.50000 0001 1547 9964Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA ,grid.176731.50000 0001 1547 9964Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA
| | - Ashok K. Chopra
- grid.176731.50000 0001 1547 9964Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA ,grid.176731.50000 0001 1547 9964Institute for Human Infections and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA ,grid.176731.50000 0001 1547 9964Sealy Institute for Vaccine Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA ,grid.176731.50000 0001 1547 9964Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Byvalov AA, Konyshev IV, Uversky VN, Dentovskaya SV, Anisimov AP. Yersinia Outer Membrane Vesicles as Potential Vaccine Candidates in Protecting against Plague. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1694. [PMID: 33353123 PMCID: PMC7766529 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the relatively low incidence of plague, its etiological agent, Yersinia pestis, is an exceptional epidemic danger due to the high infectivity and mortality of this infectious disease. Reports on the isolation of drug-resistant Y. pestis strains indicate the advisability of using asymmetric responses, such as phage therapy and vaccine prophylaxis in the fight against this problem. The current relatively effective live plague vaccine is not approved for use in most countries because of its ability to cause heavy local and system reactions and even a generalized infectious process in people with a repressed immune status or metabolic disorders, as well as lethal infection in some species of nonhuman primates. Therefore, developing alternative vaccines is of high priority and importance. However, until now, work on the development of plague vaccines has mainly focused on screening for the potential immunogens. Several investigators have identified the protective potency of bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) as a promising basis for bacterial vaccine candidates. This review is aimed at presenting these candidates of plague vaccine and the results of their analysis in animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrey A. Byvalov
- Komi Research Center, Laboratory of Microbial Physiology, Institute of Physiology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 167982 Syktyvkar, Russia;
- Department of Biotechnology, Vyatka State University, 610000 Kirov, Russia
| | - Ilya V. Konyshev
- Komi Research Center, Laboratory of Microbial Physiology, Institute of Physiology, Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 167982 Syktyvkar, Russia;
- Department of Biotechnology, Vyatka State University, 610000 Kirov, Russia
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
- Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Svetlana V. Dentovskaya
- Laboratory for Plague Microbiology, Especially Dangerous Infections Department, State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 142279 Obolensk, Russia;
| | - Andrey P. Anisimov
- Laboratory for Plague Microbiology, Especially Dangerous Infections Department, State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, 142279 Obolensk, Russia;
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
King RAN, Climacosa FMM, Santos BMM, Caoili SEC. A Human Erythrocyte-based Haemolysis Assay for the Evaluation of Human Complement Activity. Altern Lab Anim 2020; 48:127-135. [PMID: 33006498 DOI: 10.1177/0261192920953170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The complement system consists of at least 50 proteins that serve as one of the first lines of defence against foreign, or damaged, cells and invading microorganisms. Its dysregulation underlies the pathophysiology of many different diseases, which makes functional assays of complement activity crucial; they are, however, underutilised. Standard haemolysis assays for the analysis of complement function employ sensitised non-human erythrocytes (e.g. from the sheep, guinea-pig or rabbit), the use of which raises animal welfare concerns. To provide an alternative to the use of such animal-derived products for complement function assays, we developed a method that employs modified human erythrocytes to evaluate the activity of complement pathways. Human erythrocytes were subjected to various chemical and/or proteolytic treatments involving 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulphonate (TNBS) and pancreatin. Haemolysis assays demonstrated that sequential treatment with TNBS and pancreatin resulted in significantly greater complement-mediated haemolysis, as compared to TNBS or pancreatin treatment alone. Evidence that lysis of the modified erythrocytes was complement-mediated was provided by the chelation and subsequent restoration of calcium in the plasma. Thus, such modified human erythrocytes could be used as an alternative to animal-derived erythrocytes in haemolysis assays, in order to evaluate complement activity in human plasma during, for example, the screening of patients for complement deficiencies and other abnormalities in a clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruby Anne N King
- Biomedical Innovations Research for Translational Health Science (BIRTHS) Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 54733College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
| | - Fresthel Monica M Climacosa
- Biomedical Innovations Research for Translational Health Science (BIRTHS) Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 54733College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Public Health, 54733University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
| | - Bobbie Marie M Santos
- Biomedical Innovations Research for Translational Health Science (BIRTHS) Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 54733College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, 172611Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Salvador Eugenio C Caoili
- Biomedical Innovations Research for Translational Health Science (BIRTHS) Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 54733College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Feng J, Deng Y, Fu M, Hu X, Luo W, Lu Z, Dai L, Yang H, Zhao X, Du Z, Wen B, Jiang L, Zhou D, Jiao J, Xiong X. Construction of a Live-Attenuated Vaccine Strain of Yersinia pestis EV76-B-SHUΔ pla and Evaluation of Its Protection Efficacy in a Mouse Model by Aerosolized Intratracheal Inoculation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:473. [PMID: 33014895 PMCID: PMC7509399 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Plague, which is caused by Yersinia pestis, is one of the most dangerous infectious diseases. No FDA-approved vaccine against plague is available for human use at present. To improve the immune safety of Y. pestis EV76 based live attenuated vaccine and to explore the feasibility of aerosolized intratracheal inoculation (i.t.) route for vaccine delivery, a plasminogen activator protease (pla) gene deletion mutant of the attenuated Y. pestis strain EV76-B-SHU was constructed, and its residual virulence and protective efficacy were evaluated in a mouse model via aerosolized intratracheal inoculation (i.t.) or via subcutaneous injection (s.c.). The residual virulence of EV76-B-SHUΔpla was significantly reduced compared to that of the parental strain EV76-B-SHU following i.t. and s.c. infection. The EV76-B-SHUΔpla induced higher levels of mucosal antibody sIgA in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice immunized by i.t. but not by s.c.. Moreover, after lethal challenge with Y. pestis biovar Microtus strain 201 (avirulent in humans), the protective efficacy and bacterial clearance ability of the EV76-B-SHUΔpla-i.t. group were comparable to those of the EV76-B-SHUΔpla-s.c. and EV76-B-SHU immunized groups. Thus, the EV76-B-SHUΔpla represents an excellent live-attenuated vaccine candidate against pneumonic plague and aerosolized i.t. represents a promising immunization route in mouse model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junxia Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China.,Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Deng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengjiao Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Xueyuan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Wenbo Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyu Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | | | - Huiying Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Zongmin Du
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Bohai Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Lingxiao Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolu Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wei T, Gong J, Qu G, Wang M, Xu H. Interactions between Yersinia pestis V-antigen (LcrV) and human Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in a modelled protein complex and potential mechanistic insights. BMC Immunol 2019; 20:48. [PMID: 31842739 PMCID: PMC6916237 DOI: 10.1186/s12865-019-0329-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Yersinia pestis, the etiological pathogen of plague, is capable of repressing the immune response of white blood cells to evade phagocytosis. The V-antigen (LcrV) was found to be involved in this process by binding to human Toll-like Receptor 2 (TLR2). The detailed mechanism behind this LcrV and TLR2 mediated immune response repression, however, is yet to be fully elucidated due to the lack of structural information. Results In this work, with protein structure modelling, we were able to construct a structure model of the heterotetramer of Y. pestis LcrV and human TLR2. Molecular dynamics simulation suggests the stability of this structure in aquatic environment. The LcrV model has a dumbbell-like structure with two globule domains (G1 at N-terminus and G2 away from membrane) connected with a coiled-coil linker (CCL) domain. The two horseshoe-shape TLR2 subunits form a V-shape structure, are not in direct contact with each other, and are held together by the LcrV homodimer. In this structure model, both the G1 and CCL domains are involved in the formation of LcrV homodimer, while all three domains are involved in LcrV-TLR2 binding. A mechanistic model was proposed based on this heterotetrameric structure model: The LcrV homodimer separates the TLR2 subunits to inhibit the dimerization of TLR2 and subsequent signal transfer for immune response; while LcrV could also inhibit the formation of heterodimers of TLR2 with other TLRs, and leads to immune response repression. Conclusions A heterotetrameric structure of Y. pestis LcrV and human TLR2 was modelled in this work. Analysis of this modelled structure showed its stability in aquatic environments and the role of LcrV domains and residues in protein-protein interaction. A mechanistic model for the role of LcrV in Y. pestis pathogenesis is raised based on this heterotetrameric structure model. This work provides a hypothesis of LcrV function, with which further experimental validation may elucidate the role of LcrV in human immune response repression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiandi Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China.,Taishan College, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jing Gong
- School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guojing Qu
- Taishan College, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Mingyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China. .,Taishan College, Shandong University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Hai Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Microbial Technology Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|